Lawyers acting for bankers had suggested that the supertax, requiring banks to pay 50 per cent in tax on bonuses over £25,000 until next April, might constitute a breach of human rights.

However, the parliamentary joint committee on human rights said in a report that bankers were unlikely to be able to “demonstrate hardship amounting to an excessive individual burden” and it was “difficult to conclude that the measure is devoid of reasonable foundation”. i.e. don’t bother with that ruse chaps.

Basically what they are saying is that the tax has been targeted at the banks rather than the individuals and it would seem reasonable for a government to impose taxes on banks that can afford it, to raise revenue.

Don’t worry though, word on the street is that a half decent tax accountant/lawyer combo should find a way around it.